If Thorin could have lived, do you think he would have regretted his greed? What do you think Tolkien is trying to teach us about material wealth by Thorin's death? In your response, site textual evidence to support your response. Use page numbers too.
March 30, 2011 Nikki Albrecht Reading 8th
I believe that if Thorin had lived that he would have truly regretted his greed. Thorin was just so excited that he had recovered his family's treasure, that he didn't really pay attention to the others that had been tortured by Smaug. The beauty of his jewels and wealth that stirred up in his head at the time overtook every muscle in his body, including his mouth. If you found something that you have been searching for for years, wouldn't you want to keep it too? Good point! You wouldn't want to see it gone again, or even SHARE it!!! That is the magic word that I believe floated off into space in Thorin's mind while he was conversing with Bard. Now that this war is over, I really think that Thorin would regret what he said and did while he was in his own "little dreamland," only thinking about his precious treasure. Because of his greed, he almost killed his friends. If the men of Laketown and the elves and Elevnking were not there, helping them through the battle, all of the dwarves would've been killed. I bet he wishes that he could change the words that he said to Bard as Bard begged for help to rebuild his people's precious town. Thorin's words: "To the treasure of my people no man has a claim, because Smaug who stole it from us also robbed him of life or home. The treasure was not his that his evil deeds should be amended with a share of it... But NOTHING we will give, not even a loaf's worth, under threat of force."(265+266) Towards the end of the book, when Thorin is on his deathbed, he realizes what a mess his greed caused. This was the greed that almost lost him a great burglar and friend, Bilbo. Because of his greed Bilbo was almost an enemy to him. I think that Tolkien is trying to teach us that the material possessions in life are ones that can be replaced, but you can never replace a true friend. I also think that he was trying to teach us that a life of happiness can't come from material possessions because what happens to them when you dead? They don't come to heaven with you. Only your soul comes. That soul might as well be happy without those possessions. Your soul should be filled with the happiness that you find on earth and everything in it, not your so-call-it 'treasure'. This is like what Thorin summed up in his last few words. Thorin said breathlessly,"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."(page 290) At this point in Thorin's life, he realized how his greed affected him. At this point though, it was too late for him. That doesn't affect us though. So we have to find the true happiness in our life: in the people around us, and their qualities, and through the times we share with them, because through them and with "some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure"(page 290)we can let our Took side shine bright for everyone to see. Great reflection! I do agree. Greed got the best of Thorin, and he certainly seemed to regret it! ~ Mrs. Best Question 3 March 20, 2011
When Gandolf first visits Bilbo, looking for someone to share in an adventure, Bilbo tells Gandalf that hobbits are
"...plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can't think what anybody sees in them "(7).
The dwarves are not quite sure that Bilbo will be able to handle the adventures at all, and Bilbo himself wonders how he found himself at The Green Dragon Inn, riding a pony away from Hobbiton. But now, Bilbo has become the unspoken leader of the party. Without Bilbo, the dwarves would never have made it to Lonely Mountain.
Is an adventure something that happens to us or how we react to what happens? Often in life, adventures are not as obvious as killing giant spiders or escaping from an Elven king's dungeon. Sometimes adventures are made out of ordinary days and ordinary events, with ordinary people who become the heroes. You may not even realize you've been in an adventure until after it's over!
Think about the times you have learned a new skill, moved, changed schools, competed in sports, welcomed a new pet, discovered a new friend, performed in front of an audience, or had a terrifying fall. These events are adventures in process. Have you grown or changed from your experience with any of these situations, as Bilbo grew and changedbecause of his adventure with the dwarves? Recall a time when something happened to cause you to grow and change in a positive way. Respond on your wiki page.
Nikki Albrecht Reading-8th 4/22/11 Oops wrong date!
Some adventures are like no other. Some are too long and you don't think that you can bear them. Others, are just too short, and end too quickly. Many tales in a lifetime you would never believe to be an adventure, yet they come true. I've encountered many situations that I believe could be catagorised into adventures. One adventure that was life changing for me was discovering that I was creating a friendship that was to last forever. Just like Bilbo comes to realize at the end of this story, I came to realize that this wasn't any ordinary friendship. It was one that would take me on a rollercoaster ride, with many ups and downs, but one that would never go off its own track. Before Bilbo realized that these were people that he was going to be with for a very long venture of danger, he never minded about the dwarves' business whether it had to do with war or peace. They were always outcasts to him, and he need not get into any business of theirs. As Bilbo's story comes to an end, he begins to feel compelled to be with the dwarves though much of his personal business is kept to himself. In chapter 16, when Bilbo graciously gives away his secret "share in the profits" (pg. 271), the Arkenstone, to help Bard and the Men of the Lake the Elvenking asks if Bilbo would like to be part of their throng. This is how Bilbo relates to me in my story of friendship. Bilbo turns away and says,"Thank you very much I am sure, but I don't think that I ought to leave my FRIENDS like this, after all we have been through together..." (pg. 273) This is what I think links Bilbo's belief that he has true friends no matter what times they go through. True friends will go to the end of the earth together no matter what happens to them along the way. I have an adventure of my own to tell that will depict a picture in your mind of what true friends in the process of a life changing adventure are all about. About two years ago I was not familiar with the name "Allison Rowe." Most anything and everything I knew about her was that she was a smarty-pants with a good head on her. More or less I knew nothing about her, until the next year. 6th Grade! She and I were in the same homeroom, which meant all of our classes were together. A time to get to know her. Well, shortly after we began that semester I felt a certain connection with that girl. She was smart, she was athletic, she was talented. (Not to mention the piano) She was a total package. Soon enough, Allison and I began talking to each other, and found many things in common. We both had many other friends who were willing to add another friend to the group:either me or Allison. As we created a stronger bond with each other we found ourselves seeing each other a lot more often than we used to, participating in the same activities. Now, we see each other almost every hour of every day. Both Allison and I are very competitive and intelligent. She pushes me harder to be better than I am. I hope I do the same for her. She influences me in every way in every part of my life. There would be a large gap in my life if she was not here with me. I can always count on Allison to be there for me to encourage me, influence me, and even help me. Whenever I see Allison smile, it is another memory that will always stay stored in my brain because her smile gives her the perfect touch. Allison changes me in positive ways by example and word. She always knows the right thing to say at the right time. She always keeps me on my toes too. I'm looking out for her, and she looks out for me. Bilbo is always looking out for his friends too, while at the same time they look out for him. Allison and I are still on that roller-coaster ride, hoping it never ends. That 's what creates are amazing adventures we have together. We take turns looking out for each other and holding on for a new adventure right around the corner. We are just like the cart and rider on a roller-coaster. One braces for the next adventure, while the other makes sure that we don't veer off course. Allison and I will always be ready for our next adventure, prepared and ready to go whenever it happens. Sometimes are adventures pull us in as "victims,"yet we don't know it. There may be some ups and some downs along the way, but surely the adventures that occur when Allison and I are still best friends won't be ones that we will regret in the long run. Good response! I loved reading about your special friendship. You are both very lucky to have that connection. Re your response: When you have finished making your connections, you should return to the original question and make sure you end with that. That brings the whole answer full circle. Just makes for a more coherent response. Super work! ~Mrs. Best
Question 1: Choose one conflict in The Hobbit, and explain how Tolkien uses it to move the story forward. Don't forget to cite page number when appropriate.
Nikki Albrecht Reading-8th 3/3/11
One conflict in The Hobbit that Tolkien uses to move the story forward starts on page 67, which goes through the whole 5th chapter, and ends right before the 6th chapter starts. This is a character vs. character conflict, and a self conflict. This is the conflict that leads Bilbo Baggins to finding Gollum, and causing him to risk his life many times to save his life. This conflict keeps the readers on their toes and wanting to read on. It keeps them on their toes from when they read the last paragraph on page 67. How could you stop reading. I'm surprised at how many people in our class did. The chapter left you hanging. You should've wanted to read more, and so I did. The conflict leaves you off thinking about many questions: What happened to Bilbo?, Did the goblins catch them?, Is he dead?, Are the dwarves dead? As I read more and more in to the chapter I realize that the author places mini obstacles for Bilbo to get to before he even arrives upon the main obstacle. The first mini obstacle that Tolkien places for Bilbo, is that he is completely alone and in the dark. (or mostly dark; he has his sword which gives off little light) Another obstacle is he has no idea where anyone is or where he is. So as Bilbo recovers his senses and starts to grope along the wall he finds a ring on the ground and takes it. His first robbery. Then he stops to think, and decides the only way to go is to advance forward. Soon he finds himself meeting the biggest obstacle yet. Gollum. Gollum seems a little friendly at first, and not so hungry at the time, but Bilbo soon makes him burst. They make a deal that they would play a riddle game. If Gollum won, he would get to have a tasty snack, but if Bilbo won he would be shown the way out. This was life or death. Bilbo and Gollum were neck and neck until, Bilbo, speaking to himself blurted a question. He asked Gollum what he had in his pockets. I guess three guessessss wasn't enough. Bilbo won, but when Gollum got suspicious about what was in Bilbo's pocketssss, he blocked the exit. Bilbo knew what he was looking for. Bilbo overheard Gollum talking, and slipped on the magic ring. He had to leap over Gollum if he was to get through though. He just barely made it, and ran into another problem. Goblins. They saw Bilbo, and got into a fight to get Bilbo. He dashed and dodged them, and squeezed his little body through the door crack. Unfortunately, Bilbo lost a few buttons but he was safe. What a way to keep the story going.
3/4/11 Nikki, this is wonderful. You have talked about quite a number of conflicts that poor Bilbo faced in this chapter. I agree that it would be hard to put the book down. It sounds like you are enjoying it. ~Mrs. Best
Hobbit Question 2 March 4, 2011 In your own words, describe what happens next to Bilbo and the dwarves in the forest.
Nikki Albrecht
Reading-8th
March 5, 2011
When Bilbo and the dwarves enter the forest they come face to face with some old "friends," the goblins, and some new ones, the Wargs. In this part of the story I would consider it to be a character vs. character scene. It was also a character vs. nature scene in some parts. This part of the story starts on page 97, in the second last paragraph, and goes until the end of the chapter, which ends on page 111. After Bilbo and the dwarves reunite together again, they find themselves in a huge rush to get away from the goblins. They take off again, leaving their safety, and head off into the forest. Soon they find theirselves going against nature. They came to "the top of a wide steep slope of fallen stones, the remains of a landslide." (pg. 97) They began to walk down this, but their feet kept slipping and rocks kept on tumbling down, getting larger and larger. Then it seemed as if the rocks were going every which way under their feet. The trees had saved them because some of the dwarves caught hold of lower branches, and others just stood behind them. Then the danger of falling rocks was over. Their danger didn't come to an end yet. They went deeper into the forest and they came into a clearing. Then they heard a long howl, and that was answered by another; and another. Wolves were coming together and were getting closer. They were startled and Bilbo was frantic. Then Gandalf told them to get up into a tree. Bilbo came close to being eaten because he couldn't climb, and just barely grabbed onto a tree limb before a Warg could get him. These Wargs were looking to meet up with the goblins, but because of the lose of the Great Goblin the goblins were traveling behind. The Wargs found every tree that there was a person in, and surrounded it. Gandalf needed to do something, and so he did. He gathered large pinecones from his tree and set one on fire, and through one at a wolf. It hit the wolf and stuck to him. He caught on fire. More and more cones came down on the wolves, and there was a huge amount of commotion. Soon enough, the goblins came, and they had a plan. They weren't afraid of fire. They stomped out all of the fire, except for the fire close to the trees that the dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf were in. Then they added some bushes to the fire. Soon, there were rings of fire around each tree. The flames kept rising, and they had no idea what to do. Gandalf was about to try to kill one of the goblins when he was grabbed by an eagle. Soon enough, they were all in the hands of the eagles, away from the goblins and Wargs. Bilbo believed that they weren't safe at all, but just in the clutches of another animal, ready to be eaten. Then the Eagles were talking like they knew Gandalf and they were safe because the eagles did know Gandalf. They were going to help them, and they wouldn't get eaten after all!
3/13 What an excellent response Nikki! Very thorough! ~Mrs. Best
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Hobbit Question 4 March 29, 2011
If Thorin could have lived, do you think he would have regretted his greed? What do you think Tolkien is trying to teach us about material wealth by Thorin's death? In your response, site textual evidence to support your response. Use page numbers too.
March 30, 2011
Nikki Albrecht
Reading 8th
I believe that if Thorin had lived that he would have truly regretted his greed. Thorin was just so excited that he had recovered his family's treasure, that he didn't really pay attention to the others that had been tortured by Smaug. The beauty of his jewels and wealth that stirred up in his head at the time overtook every muscle in his body, including his mouth. If you found something that you have been searching for for years, wouldn't you want to keep it too? Good point! You wouldn't want to see it gone again, or even SHARE it!!! That is the magic word that I believe floated off into space in Thorin's mind while he was conversing with Bard. Now that this war is over, I really think that Thorin would regret what he said and did while he was in his own "little dreamland," only thinking about his precious treasure. Because of his greed, he almost killed his friends. If the men of Laketown and the elves and Elevnking were not there, helping them through the battle, all of the dwarves would've been killed. I bet he wishes that he could change the words that he said to Bard as Bard begged for help to rebuild his people's precious town. Thorin's words: "To the treasure of my people no man has a claim, because Smaug who stole it from us also robbed him of life or home. The treasure was not his that his evil deeds should be amended with a share of it... But NOTHING we will give, not even a loaf's worth, under threat of force."(265+266) Towards the end of the book, when Thorin is on his deathbed, he realizes what a mess his greed caused. This was the greed that almost lost him a great burglar and friend, Bilbo. Because of his greed Bilbo was almost an enemy to him. I think that Tolkien is trying to teach us that the material possessions in life are ones that can be replaced, but you can never replace a true friend. I also think that he was trying to teach us that a life of happiness can't come from material possessions because what happens to them when you dead? They don't come to heaven with you. Only your soul comes. That soul might as well be happy without those possessions. Your soul should be filled with the happiness that you find on earth and everything in it, not your so-call-it 'treasure'. This is like what Thorin summed up in his last few words. Thorin said breathlessly,"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."(page 290) At this point in Thorin's life, he realized how his greed affected him. At this point though, it was too late for him. That doesn't affect us though. So we have to find the true happiness in our life: in the people around us, and their qualities, and through the times we share with them, because through them and with "some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure"(page 290)we can let our Took side shine bright for everyone to see. Great reflection! I do agree. Greed got the best of Thorin, and he certainly seemed to regret it! ~ Mrs. Best
Question 3
March 20, 2011
When Gandolf first visits Bilbo, looking for someone to share in an adventure, Bilbo tells Gandalf that hobbits are
"...plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can't think what anybody sees in them "(7).
The dwarves are not quite sure that Bilbo will be able to handle the adventures at all, and Bilbo himself wonders how he found himself at The Green Dragon Inn, riding a pony away from Hobbiton. But now, Bilbo has become the unspoken leader of the party. Without Bilbo, the dwarves would never have made it to Lonely Mountain.
Is an adventure something that happens to us or how we react to what happens? Often in life, adventures are not as obvious as killing giant spiders or escaping from an Elven king's dungeon. Sometimes adventures are made out of ordinary days and ordinary events, with ordinary people who become the heroes. You may not even realize you've been in an adventure until after it's over!
Think about the times you have learned a new skill, moved, changed schools, competed in sports, welcomed a new pet, discovered a new friend, performed in front of an audience, or had a terrifying fall. These events are adventures in process. Have you grown or changed from your experience with any of these situations, as Bilbo grew and changed because of his adventure with the dwarves? Recall a time when something happened to cause you to grow and change in a positive way. Respond on your wiki page.
Nikki Albrecht
Reading-8th
4/22/11 Oops wrong date!
Some adventures are like no other. Some are too long and you don't think that you can bear them. Others, are just too short, and end too quickly. Many tales in a lifetime you would never believe to be an adventure, yet they come true. I've encountered many situations that I believe could be catagorised into adventures. One adventure that was life changing for me was discovering that I was creating a friendship that was to last forever. Just like Bilbo comes to realize at the end of this story, I came to realize that this wasn't any ordinary friendship. It was one that would take me on a rollercoaster ride, with many ups and downs, but one that would never go off its own track. Before Bilbo realized that these were people that he was going to be with for a very long venture of danger, he never minded about the dwarves' business whether it had to do with war or peace. They were always outcasts to him, and he need not get into any business of theirs. As Bilbo's story comes to an end, he begins to feel compelled to be with the dwarves though much of his personal business is kept to himself. In chapter 16, when Bilbo graciously gives away his secret "share in the profits" (pg. 271), the Arkenstone, to help Bard and the Men of the Lake the Elvenking asks if Bilbo would like to be part of their throng. This is how Bilbo relates to me in my story of friendship. Bilbo turns away and says,"Thank you very much I am sure, but I don't think that I ought to leave my FRIENDS like this, after all we have been through together..." (pg. 273) This is what I think links Bilbo's belief that he has true friends no matter what times they go through. True friends will go to the end of the earth together no matter what happens to them along the way. I have an adventure of my own to tell that will depict a picture in your mind of what true friends in the process of a life changing adventure are all about. About two years ago I was not familiar with the name "Allison Rowe." Most anything and everything I knew about her was that she was a smarty-pants with a good head on her. More or less I knew nothing about her, until the next year. 6th Grade! She and I were in the same homeroom, which meant all of our classes were together. A time to get to know her. Well, shortly after we began that semester I felt a certain connection with that girl. She was smart, she was athletic, she was talented. (Not to mention the piano) She was a total package. Soon enough, Allison and I began talking to each other, and found many things in common. We both had many other friends who were willing to add another friend to the group:either me or Allison. As we created a stronger bond with each other we found ourselves seeing each other a lot more often than we used to, participating in the same activities. Now, we see each other almost every hour of every day. Both Allison and I are very competitive and intelligent. She pushes me harder to be better than I am. I hope I do the same for her. She influences me in every way in every part of my life. There would be a large gap in my life if she was not here with me. I can always count on Allison to be there for me to encourage me, influence me, and even help me. Whenever I see Allison smile, it is another memory that will always stay stored in my brain because her smile gives her the perfect touch. Allison changes me in positive ways by example and word. She always knows the right thing to say at the right time. She always keeps me on my toes too. I'm looking out for her, and she looks out for me. Bilbo is always looking out for his friends too, while at the same time they look out for him. Allison and I are still on that roller-coaster ride, hoping it never ends. That 's what creates are amazing adventures we have together. We take turns looking out for each other and holding on for a new adventure right around the corner. We are just like the cart and rider on a roller-coaster. One braces for the next adventure, while the other makes sure that we don't veer off course. Allison and I will always be ready for our next adventure, prepared and ready to go whenever it happens. Sometimes are adventures pull us in as "victims,"yet we don't know it. There may be some ups and some downs along the way, but surely the adventures that occur when Allison and I are still best friends won't be ones that we will regret in the long run. Good response! I loved reading about your special friendship. You are both very lucky to have that connection. Re your response: When you have finished making your connections, you should return to the original question and make sure you end with that. That brings the whole answer full circle. Just makes for a more coherent response. Super work! ~Mrs. Best
Question 1: Choose one conflict in The Hobbit, and explain how Tolkien uses it to move the story forward. Don't forget to cite page
number when appropriate.
Nikki Albrecht
Reading-8th
3/3/11
One conflict in The Hobbit that Tolkien uses to move the story forward starts on page 67, which goes through the whole 5th chapter, and ends right before the 6th chapter starts. This is a character vs. character conflict, and a self conflict. This is the conflict that leads Bilbo Baggins to finding Gollum, and causing him to risk his life many times to save his life. This conflict keeps the readers on their toes and wanting to read on. It keeps them on their toes from when they read the last paragraph on page 67. How could you stop reading. I'm surprised at how many people in our class did. The chapter left you hanging. You should've wanted to read more, and so I did. The conflict leaves you off thinking about many questions: What happened to Bilbo?, Did the goblins catch them?, Is he dead?, Are the dwarves dead? As I read more and more in to the chapter I realize that the author places mini obstacles for Bilbo to get to before he even arrives upon the main obstacle. The first mini obstacle that Tolkien places for Bilbo, is that he is completely alone and in the dark. (or mostly dark; he has his sword which gives off little light) Another obstacle is he has no idea where anyone is or where he is. So as Bilbo recovers his senses and starts to grope along the wall he finds a ring on the ground and takes it. His first robbery. Then he stops to think, and decides the only way to go is to advance forward. Soon he finds himself meeting the biggest obstacle yet. Gollum. Gollum seems a little friendly at first, and not so hungry at the time, but Bilbo soon makes him burst. They make a deal that they would play a riddle game. If Gollum won, he would get to have a tasty snack, but if Bilbo won he would be shown the way out. This was life or death. Bilbo and Gollum were neck and neck until, Bilbo, speaking to himself blurted a question. He asked Gollum what he had in his pockets. I guess three guessessss wasn't enough. Bilbo won, but when Gollum got suspicious about what was in Bilbo's pocketssss, he blocked the exit. Bilbo knew what he was looking for. Bilbo overheard Gollum talking, and slipped on the magic ring. He had to leap over Gollum if he was to get through though. He just barely made it, and ran into another problem. Goblins. They saw Bilbo, and got into a fight to get Bilbo. He dashed and dodged them, and squeezed his little body through the door crack. Unfortunately, Bilbo lost a few buttons but he was safe. What a way to keep the story going.
3/4/11 Nikki, this is wonderful. You have talked about quite a number of conflicts that poor Bilbo faced in this chapter. I agree that it would be hard to put the book down. It sounds like you are enjoying it. ~Mrs. Best
Hobbit Question 2
March 4, 2011
In your own words, describe what happens next to Bilbo and the dwarves in the forest.
Nikki Albrecht
Reading-8th
March 5, 2011
When Bilbo and the dwarves enter the forest they come face to face with some old "friends," the goblins, and some new ones, the Wargs. In this part of the story I would consider it to be a character vs. character scene. It was also a character vs. nature scene in some parts. This part of the story starts on page 97, in the second last paragraph, and goes until the end of the chapter, which ends on page 111. After Bilbo and the dwarves reunite together again, they find themselves in a huge rush to get away from the goblins. They take off again, leaving their safety, and head off into the forest. Soon they find theirselves going against nature. They came to "the top of a wide steep slope of fallen stones, the remains of a landslide." (pg. 97) They began to walk down this, but their feet kept slipping and rocks kept on tumbling down, getting larger and larger. Then it seemed as if the rocks were going every which way under their feet. The trees had saved them because some of the dwarves caught hold of lower branches, and others just stood behind them. Then the danger of falling rocks was over. Their danger didn't come to an end yet. They went deeper into the forest and they came into a clearing. Then they heard a long howl, and that was answered by another; and another. Wolves were coming together and were getting closer. They were startled and Bilbo was frantic. Then Gandalf told them to get up into a tree. Bilbo came close to being eaten because he couldn't climb, and just barely grabbed onto a tree limb before a Warg could get him. These Wargs were looking to meet up with the goblins, but because of the lose of the Great Goblin the goblins were traveling behind. The Wargs found every tree that there was a person in, and surrounded it. Gandalf needed to do something, and so he did. He gathered large pinecones from his tree and set one on fire, and through one at a wolf. It hit the wolf and stuck to him. He caught on fire. More and more cones came down on the wolves, and there was a huge amount of commotion. Soon enough, the goblins came, and they had a plan. They weren't afraid of fire. They stomped out all of the fire, except for the fire close to the trees that the dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf were in. Then they added some bushes to the fire. Soon, there were rings of fire around each tree. The flames kept rising, and they had no idea what to do. Gandalf was about to try to kill one of the goblins when he was grabbed by an eagle. Soon enough, they were all in the hands of the eagles, away from the goblins and Wargs. Bilbo believed that they weren't safe at all, but just in the clutches of another animal, ready to be eaten. Then the Eagles were talking like they knew Gandalf and they were safe because the eagles did know Gandalf. They were going to help them, and they wouldn't get eaten after all!
3/13 What an excellent response Nikki! Very thorough! ~Mrs. Best